Multiple Brush Fires Scorch Central Brevard County

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Fire crews continue to battle four separate brush fires that are burning in central Brevard County.

The first report of a brush fire was called in to dispatchers at 3:27 p.m. Inclement weather was reported in the area and all four fires are believed to have been caused by lightning strikes.

The first brush fire was located near the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and Terri Lee Lane in West Cocoa. The fire threatened several structures and several residents voluntarily evacuated. No mandatory evacuations were ordered. The fire destroyed two detached garages, two recreational vehicles and one boat.

The fire is now contained and mop up operations are underway. No injuries were reported.

A second brush fire was reported nearby near the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and Soggy Bottom Lane.

That fire is also under control and officials report that Florida Forest Service (FFS) tractors have nearly enclosed the area with fire lines. No evacuations were ordered in this area and no structures were damaged. No injuries have been reported.

These fire forced the temporary closure of Satellite Boulevard north of Soggy Bottom Lane for approximately three hours. Deputies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) facilitated this closure.

The third fire reported was inside the city limits of Cocoa at the southeast corner of I-95 and SR 528. This fire is still burning and firefighters are working to contain it. Smoke from the fire in this area forced the closure of eastbound SR 528.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) diverted eastbound traffic onto SR 520 and closed both southbound and northbound access ramps from I-95. FHP is now considering closing SR 528 to all traffic from SR 520 to Industry Road at the request of fire officials.

Please monitor FHP resources for road conditions and closures. No structures were endangered by this fire.

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A fourth fire is burning unchecked near SR 528 at Mile Marker 39. There is no access to this fire for ground personnel.

A helicopter from FFS flew over the fire earlier in the day and reports that there are no endangerment issues ahead of the fire. Brush trucks are positioned in the area to monitor this fire.

FFS has not provided a combined acreage for these fires. Inclement weather moving into the area has grounded helicopter operations that were working to provide size estimates. Crews will continue to monitor the fires overnight and will return to the area tomorrow to complete extinguishment.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution in the area of I-95 and SR 528 as both smoke conditions and inclement weather exists.

Residents in the area should expect to see smoke overnight but should call 911 if flames are seen.